Cradle Coast Future Energy Hub

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North West Tasmania is rapidly emerging as a hub for renewable energy development, with a pipeline of projects spanning wind, hydro, transmission and storage. The Cradle Coast Future Energy Hub is helping connect this investment pipeline with local businesses, workers, communities and government. 

Opportunities for Burnie include jobs, local procurement and supply-chain growth, while strengthening its role as a regional logistics and services centre. Investment will also increase demand for workforce housing, skills and training, highlighting the importance of ensuring local communities and businesses capture meaningful economic and social benefits.

See below for a summary of key energy projects in the region.

Cradle Coast Authority’s Future Energy Hub

Current Initiatives 


Aug 2026

The Tasmanian Government is seeking feedback on a proposed Code of Conduct for renewable energy developers developers and electricity infrastructure providers. Consultation is open until the 13 September 2026 via Renewables, Climate and Future Industries Tasmania (ReCFIT)

You can provide a written submission via email to: guideline@recfit.tas.gov.au


Jul 2026

Following a CCA-convened Regional Housing and Workforce Roundtable, a new report has identified workforce accommodation and housing supply as a critical issue ahead of major construction activity. The report found the region is already experiencing significant housing pressure, with rental vacancy rates estimated at 0.4%, well below the sustainable benchmark of around 3%.

Forecast project activity could require around 2,600 workers by 2028, including approximately 1,900 workers from outside the region. The report identifies an opportunity to design temporary project accommodation so it can transition into longer-term housing for local communities once major construction phases are complete.


April 2026

The Cradle Coast Authority released the Local Power, Local Prosperity report, calling for collaboration to maximise local jobs, procurement opportunities and long-term economic benefits.

Three immediate steps towards a shared regional vision that offers maximum economic benefits from the renewable energy pipeline: 

  1. Create a Senior Whole‑of‑Government Taskforce to coordinate housing, transport, and workforce planning across overlapping projects. 
  2. Begin a Cumulative Impact Assessment to understand how multiple projects will affect local services, labour supply, and housing. 
  3. Strengthen Local Decision‑Making so planning reflects regional realities rather than being driven solely from Hobart. 

Past initiatives and milestones

2025 – Regional energy advocacy and engagement
The Hub continued providing information on the expanding North West renewable-energy pipeline, with an increasing focus on connecting projects with communities, industry and regional economic opportunities.

2024 – Future of Energy research and Marinus Link engagement
CCA, the Carbon Zero Initiative and the Future Energy Hub released research examining Tasmania’s pathway to a carbon-zero economy and the renewable generation, storage and infrastructure required. The Hub also hosted a Marinus Link drop-in session in Burnie, providing residents with information about the project and environmental assessments.

2023 – Offshore wind engagement
The Hub supported consultation on the proposed Bass Strait offshore wind area, providing community information and engagement opportunities in Burnie and Devonport.

2022 – Renewable energy education
Online renewable-energy education modules were developed to improve community awareness and understanding of Tasmania’s renewable-energy sector.

2021 – Renewable energy careers
The Hub developed a series of videos showcasing careers in Tasmania’s renewable-energy sector, helping build awareness of emerging employment opportunities.

2020 – Kickstarting Energy Careers
The Kickstarting Energy Careers on the West Coast initiative was delivered with the Beacon Foundation and Granville Harbour Wind Farm, giving students exposure to renewable-energy careers through work-readiness activities, mentoring and site tours.

2019 – Future Energy Hub established
The Cradle Coast Authority and industry partners established the Future Energy Hub as a regional collaboration platform to showcase renewable-energy opportunities and support community engagement as North West Tasmania’s clean-energy sector expands.

Contact the Future Energy Hub Team:

 


Key Tasmanian Energy Projects

These projects are part of Tasmania’s broader strategy to double its renewable energy production by 2040, aiming to position the state as a leader in clean energy generation and export.  For more detailed information on these and other initiatives.

Project Name Type Location Capacity Status Proponent
Burnie Region
TasTAFE Clean Energy Centre of Excellence Education and Training Facility + Accommodation Burnie Training Capacity: 5,000+ students/year In Planning TasTAFE / State Government
HIF Tasmania eFuels Facility Green Hydrogen + eFuels Production Burnie 250 million litres/year (target) Early Planning HIF Global
Hellyer Wind Farm Wind Hampshire (near Burnie) ~140 MW In Planning ArkEnergy
Marinus Link HVDC Interconnector Burnie to Victoria (via Bass Strait) 1,500 MW Approved

TasVicGreenlink

North West Region
North West Transmission Developments Transmission Infrastructure Across North West Tasmania N/A Approved TasNetworks
North West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) Renewable Energy Zone Circular Head, Waratah-Wynyard, Burnie areas Multiple wind/solar projects Establishing TasNetworks / State Government
Community Battery Projects Battery Storage (shared) Various North West locations, including the Burnie Pilot ~0.5–1 MW each Pilot Operating State and Federal Government
Granville Harbour Wind Farm Wind West Coast 112 MW Operating Palisade Investment Partners
King-Yolande Hydro Scheme Hydro West Coast 156.5 MW Operating Hydro Tasmania
Whaleback Ridge Renewable Energy Wind Near Zeehan Up to 280 turbines Proposed UPC Renewables
Mersey Forth Hydro Scheme Hydro Meander Valley, Kentish 338.25 MW Operating Hydro Tasmania
Cethana Pumped Hydro Project Pumped Hydro Storage Kentish 750 MW In Planning Hydro Tasmania
Far North West
Robbins Island Wind Farm Wind Circular Head Up to 900 MW Approved ACEN Australia
Bluff Point Wind Farm Wind Circular Head 64.75 MW Operating Woolnorth Wind
Studland Bay Wind Farm Wind Circular Head 75 MW Operating Woolnorth Wind